Declan Rice's frustrated reaction towards Kai Havertz spotted amid Arsenal star struggles

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice cut a frustrated figure after Kai Havertz misplaced a pass during their side's Premier League clash against Fulham.

After scoring 32 goals in three years at Chelsea, German international Havertz made the move across London to join the Gunners in a deal worth a reported £65m.

Mikel Arteta's side finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last season, faltering towards the end after being at the summit of the top flight for much of the campaign. Pep Guardiola's side overtook them to claim the title.

Arsenal have responded to missing out on the Premier League crown with reinforcements this summer.

As well as Havertz joining to reinforce the attacking options, Rice arrived from West Ham in a deal worth £105m, while Jurrien Timber's move from Ajax has been unfortunately followed by an injury picked up by the defender.

In terms of Havertz, he has turned out four times for the Gunners so far in all competitions, but is yet to find the back of the net for his new club.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in the early stages of the season despite this, having beaten City to win the Community Shield on penalties, with two wins and a draw in the Premier League so far.

But a moment in Arsenal's draw against Fulham, and the subsequent reaction from Rice, perhaps sums up Havertz's time in North London so far quite well.

During the encounter, the ball was passed out of defence to Havertz, who was on the edge of the final third and had no Fulham players remotely near him.

It looked to be a perfect opportunity to get the ball, turn, and run at the Cottagers' back line to put pressure on, but Havertz opted to do the opposite of this.

Rather than progress forwards, the forward tried to pass the ball back to midfielder Rice.

The screenshot is actually a disservice to Havertz. It’s worse lmaooo https://t.co/vRh99rVx4a pic.twitter.com/N7ZmZUsPDa

— Shallé_guun (@Pearl_FreeAfc) August 26, 2023

But the ball was swiftly intercepted by a Fulham player and Rice's reaction clearly showed his frustration, as he gestured to Havertz there were other Arsenal players perhaps in a better place to receive the possession.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta replaced Havertz on 56 minutes for Fabio Vieira, who went on to grab an assist for Eddie Nketiah's goal in the 2-2 draw - but the German was defended by his manager post-match.